AperiCosmos at Lake Lao: sunset hike, aperitivo dinner and stargazing in the Tanaro Valley
Frazione Quarzina, Cuneo · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 1,600 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Cuneo, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+13
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Sunset and stargazing at Lake Lao
A special experience between mountains and sky in the heart of the Tanaro Valley. With the Guidders, we will set off from the hamlet of Quarzina in Ormea to reach the enchanting Lake Lao along a pleasant trail surrounded by nature. We will walk accompanied by the colors of the sunset, while the mountains are painted in golden hues and the silence of the evening embraces the valley. Once we reach our destination, an aperitif dinner under the stars organized by Rifugio Quarzina will be waiting for us, followed by a fascinating astronomy observation session led by an expert stargazer who will guide us in discovering constellations, myths, and curiosities of the night sky. The return journey will take place at night using headlamps, allowing us to fully experience the magic of the mountains after sunset. Book now and treat yourself to an evening of nature, stars, and wonder.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
What makes this experience uniqueThe combination of trekking, astronomy, and conviviality makes AperiCosmos a truly unusual event. An evening in which the mountains become a natural observatory and the sky turns into a story to experience together.
Aperitif dinner information🥂 Aperitif dinner at Rifugio Quarzina: €15 per person, to be paid directly on site.
When the sun sets and the stars begin to light up the sky of the Ligurian Alps, the mountains reveal their most magical side. AperiCosmos is an invitation to slow down, observe, and let yourself be amazed.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+13 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
300 m D+ · 6 km · 5 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 300 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Aperitif
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
300 m
Max altitude
1,600 m
Distance
6 km
Duration
5 h
Day
6 km · D+ 300 m · 5 h
The stops · 6 km
Meeting point 19:30approximate
Frazione Quarzina 55, 12078 Ormea provincia di Cuneo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We meet a little earlier for a coffee, water and a toilet: after that, there are none until we get back.
Meeting point and apericena pickup at Rifugio Quarzina; from there, we’ll set off along the trail towards Colma.
20:30PASS
The Colma
A stop along the hike where we’ll pause to take in the golden hour.
21:00FOOD STOP
Observation point
An astronomy enthusiast will reveal the secrets of the night sky and guide us through the stars, while we enjoy an aperitivo dinner at Rifugio Quarzina.
22:30HIKING TRAIL
trail
From Lake Lao, we will head towards the gravel road that joins the trail we followed on the way up. Using our headlamps, we will continue enjoying the nighttime landscape and the sky, free from light pollution.
23:00RETURN
End of the Hike
End of the Hike
How do you get to Frazione Quarzina? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Light fleece
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Light headgear
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mosquito repellent spray
REQUIRED
Spray anti-zecche
REQUIRED
Your guide
Giorgia B.
· 1 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Giorgia, an environmental hiking guide, raised between the Tanaro Valley and the Ligurian Alps: mountains looking out over the sea, which I've always carried with me. There's another special place for me too, the Varaita Valley, where the Stone King dominates the horizon and every trail tells old stories among incredible landscapes and summits worth living. Walking and running in the mountains means discovery for me: I love exploring new trails and sharing the wonder of nature with the people I guide, because every experience is better when you live it with someone. Before being a guide I'm a curious soul, in love with the land that raised me. You'll find me with a backpack on, a ready smile and an appetite for listening to the wind in the rocks and the silence of the woods. When the mountains call, I answer with a smile (and poles). 🥾⛰️ See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
AperiCosmos at Lake Lao: sunset hike, aperitivo dinner and stargazing in the Tanaro Valley
Frazione Quarzina, Ormea (CN) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 1,600 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
300 m
Max altitude
1,600 m
Distance
6 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+13
▣ 5 photos
+1 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Sunset and stargazing at Lake Lao
A special experience between mountains and sky in the heart of the Tanaro Valley. With the Guidders, we will set off from the hamlet of Quarzina in Ormea to reach the enchanting Lake Lao along a pleasant trail surrounded by nature. We will walk accompanied by the colors of the sunset, while the mountains are painted in golden hues and the silence of the evening embraces the valley. Once we reach our destination, an aperitif dinner under the stars organized by Rifugio Quarzina will be waiting for us, followed by a fascinating astronomy observation session led by an expert stargazer who will guide us in discovering constellations, myths, and curiosities of the night sky. The return journey will take place at night using headlamps, allowing us to fully experience the magic of the mountains after sunset. Book now and treat yourself to an evening of nature, stars, and wonder.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
5 reasons to come
What makes this experience uniqueThe combination of trekking, astronomy, and conviviality makes AperiCosmos a truly unusual event. An evening in which the mountains become a natural observatory and the sky turns into a story to experience together.
Aperitif dinner information🥂 Aperitif dinner at Rifugio Quarzina: €15 per person, to be paid directly on site.
When the sun sets and the stars begin to light up the sky of the Ligurian Alps, the mountains reveal their most magical side. AperiCosmos is an invitation to slow down, observe, and let yourself be amazed.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
300 m D+ · 6 km · 5 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 300 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Aperitif
✕Transport
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 6 km
Meeting point 19:30Frazione Quarzina
We meet a little earlier for a coffee, water and a toilet: after that, there are none until we get back.
Meeting point and apericena pickup at Rifugio Quarzina; from there, we’ll set off along the trail towards Colma.
20:30PASS
The Colma
A stop along the hike where we’ll pause to take in the golden hour.
21:00FOOD STOP
Observation point
An astronomy enthusiast will reveal the secrets of the night sky and guide us through the stars, while we enjoy an aperitivo dinner at Rifugio Quarzina.
22:30HIKING TRAIL
trail
From Lake Lao, we will head towards the gravel road that joins the trail we followed on the way up. Using our headlamps, we will continue enjoying the nighttime landscape and the sky, free from light pollution.
23:00RETURN
End of the Hike
End of the Hike
How do you get to Frazione Quarzina? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Light fleece
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Light headgear
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mosquito repellent spray
REQUIRED
Spray anti-zecche
REQUIRED
Your guide
Giorgia B.
1 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Giorgia, an environmental hiking guide, raised between the Tanaro Valley and the Ligurian Alps: mountains looking out over the sea, which I've always carried with me. There's another special place for me too, the Varaita Valley, where the Stone King dominates the horizon and every trail tells old stories among incredible landscapes and summits worth living. Walking and running in the mountains means discovery for me: I love exploring new trails and sharing the wonder of nature with the people I guide, because every experience is better when you live it with someone. Before being a guide I'm a curious soul, in love with the land that raised me. You'll find me with a backpack on, a ready smile and an appetite for listening to the wind in the rocks and the silence of the woods. When the mountains call, I answer with a smile (and poles). 🥾⛰️ See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
